Hay Bale Restoration

ABSTRACT

One (1) or more cylindrical units of bound and compressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are aligned along shorelines which are subject to erosion and/or to an influx of petroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways following an oil spill. As deployed, these units dissipate wave energy and capture sediment and/or pollutants. Specific embodiments are enumerated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/687,387, filed 2012 Apr. 24 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to processes whereby bound, spiral units ofcompressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are deployed along banksand shores of waterways and coastlines. More particularly, thisapplication relates to processes whereby round hay bales are deployed toarrest, impede, and/or prevent coastal erosion. This application alsorelates to processes whereby hay bales are deployed to capture andprevent the dissemination of contaminants, including but not limited topetroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways inan oil spill.

2. Prior Art

Previously, efforts to prevent or slow coastal erosion relied on eitherhard structural or soft structural options. Hard structural options haveincluded fixed seawalls and breakwaters near the shoreline andartificial reefs farther offshore. Soft structural options have includedbeach repair and re-vegetation, dune building, and other non-structuralalternatives. Both hard and soft structural options generally seek todissipate wave energy and thereby arrest, impede, and/or preventshoreline erosion. Additionally, prior soft structural options includeda restoration component—seeking to restore land mass previously lost toerosion.

These prior “hard” and “soft” methods have varying degrees of success.While many of the “hard” methods offer acceptable dissipation of waveenergy, the construction costs are prohibitively expensive. Further, theuse of the large equipment and machinery necessary to construct a“successful” artificial structure causes significant damage to analready-fragile ecological system. Finally, after an artificialstructure is created (at significant cost and with irreversibleenvironmental damage), the “hard” methods do not provide any restorationcomponent.

On the other hand, prior “soft” options have shown an acceptablerestoration component, but these methods lack the ability to dissipatewave energy. By its nature, beach repair requires deployment of heavyequipment capable of moving significant amounts of sand/sediment. Inaddition to the prohibitive cost, this equipment may cause damage toadjacent ecological systems during transport to the coastline. Evenafter full deployment of these “soft,” non-structural alternatives, therestored coastline remains susceptible to future erosion.

None of these prior methods has successfully combined a dissipation ofwave energy with simultaneous restoration of eroded coastline. Further,none of these prior methods achieves cost-effective coastlinedefense/restoration without the use of heavy machinery which may damagethe precise area sought to be protected. Finally, none of these priormethods offers any form of protection from petroleum-based pollutantssuch as are released/discharged into waterways following an oil spill.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, one (1) or more cylindrical units ofbound and compressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are alignedalong shorelines which are subject to erosion and/or to an influx ofsuch petroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged intowaterways following an oil spill. In a particular, non-exclusivedeployment, two (2) or more of these round hay bales may be positionedimmediately adjacent to each other or at such other intervals as areappropriate relative to their intended use. Further, and in such aparticular, non-exclusive deployment, the said bales may be moored tothe seabed/shoreline, may be free-floating, may be stacked upon eachother, and may utilize independent structural support such as drivenpiles.

DRAWINGS Figures

Not applicable.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Not applicable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

The processes made subject of this application have multipleembodiments. In a particular embodiment, cylindrical units of bound andcompressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are transported tocoastlines, river banks, or other areas of land which are subject toerosion and/or to an influx of such petroleum-based pollutants as arereleased/discharged into waterways following an oil spill.

In the preferred embodiment, each of these cylindrical units iscomprised of vegetative matter such as dried grass, dried grass-likeplant material, dried perennial legumes, dried forage residue (otherthan separated grain), dried hay, dried fodder, and/or other dried,reasonably porous plant material. Further, each of these cylindricalunits, in the preferred embodiment, possesses a minimum density of eightpounds (8 lbs.) of dry matter per square foot. Finally, each of thesecylindrical units, in the preferred embodiment, is circumnavigated andgenerally bound by sufficient amounts of sisal twine, mesh netting,steel wire, and/or other durable binding as will permit the said unitsto remain intact during transportation and deployment.

In a particular embodiment, these cylindrical units are placed intoshallow waters immediately adjacent to a shoreline. In such a particular(non-preferred) embodiment, the said cylindrical units are turned overonto one (1) of their two (2) “flat” sides (i.e., the top and bottom ofeach unit's cylindrical shape), and a flat edge is placed as near aspractical unto the “floor” of the body of water. Although the units mayinitially float when placed into shallow water near a shoreline, thevegetative matter will absorb sufficient water to reach an equilibriumwith its surroundings, and, following the passage of time, each unitwill come to rest on the body of water's “floor.”

In a particular embodiment, twenty-four (24) of these cylindrical unitsare placed side-by-side into rows which are two (2) units wide andtwelve (12) units long. As assembled, this grouping of twenty-four (24)cylindrical units will be approximately sixty feet (60′) long and tenfeet (10′) wide. Once positioned into the stated position, a particular(non-preferred) embodiment of this grouping will be circumnavigatedaround its entire circumference by adequate amounts of nylon rope, steelrope, steel cable, grass rope, and/or other during binding as shall benecessary to keep the twenty-four (24) unit grouping relatively stableand secured. In an additional (non-preferred) embodiment, the saidgrouping shall also have such binding as will bind together each two (2)adjacent units unto each other, with a total of twelve (12) suchcross-bindings passing over the said unit.

As deployed, in a particular (non-preferred) embodiment, each groupingof twenty-four (24) cylindrical units may be installed as a single,freestanding grouping, wholly independent of any such other groupings.Alternatively, each grouping may be positioned and installed inrelationship to one (1) or more such other groupings as may be requiredby a location's geography/topography as taken together with theparticular purpose for which the said grouping is deployed (i.e.,erosion control/restoration, contamination filtering, and/or both). Ineither circumstance, each grouping may, in a particular (non-preferred)embodiment, be secured in place through the use of driven piles or otherpoles or posts as may be necessary and/or appropriate to the particularlocation. The material composition of such driven piles, poles, or postsshall be of durable construction and reasonably resistant againstrotting or other structural impairment.

In a preferred (though not exclusive) embodiment, the said cylindricalunits of bound and compressed vegetative matter which comprise thetwenty-four (24) unit grouping discussed supra shall each be ofapproximately equal size. In a particular embodiment, each saidcylindrical unit will have physical dimensions of approximately sixtyinches (60″) in diameter and forty-eight inches (48″) in height.Further, and as near as practicable, the said units shall be comprisedof approximately similar vegetative matter which has been shaped intounits which are approximately equal in overall weight and density.Although each individual grouping may utilize units of varying sizes,all the units within a particular group shall remain generally equal insize, weight, and density.

OPERATION First Embodiment

The manner of using cylindrical units of bound and compressed vegetativematter in preventing and repairing shoreline erosion and shorelinecontamination is straightforward. In broad embodiment, the referencedcylindrical units of bound and compressed vegetative matter are stackedtogether in groupings of twenty-four (24) individual units placedside-by-side. The entire grouping is thereafter circumscribed around itsentire periphery with durable binding, and each two (2) unit “pairing”in the group is also cross-tied with durable binding. In a particularembodiment, the grouping may be allowed to rest on its own withoutexternal moorings, and in yet another particular (non-preferred)embodiment, the grouping may be secured in place through the use ofdriven piles or other poles or posts as may be necessary and/orappropriate to the particular location.

By creating these large groupings of cylindrical units, we are able toessentially recreate a large-scale reenactment of an erosion-controlprocess which is regularly used in road construction. There, small,square hay bales are lined up end-to-end in order to prevent soilrunoff. Similarly, we create these large, twenty-four (24) unitgroupings which themselves act in much the same way as a small, singlebale does on the roadway construction project. Here, each unit of ourgrouping weighs in the range of 800 to 1,000 pounds—and much, much moreafter absorbing a significant influx of water. The combined weight andsize of this grouping is sufficient to dissipate incoming wave energyand thereby protect fragile shorelines in much the same way asartificial reefs and breakers would do.

Our process does not stop with merely dissipating wave energy. Instead,the design and construction of our grouping (in a particular,non-preferred embodiment) causes the vegetative matter of our componentunits (i.e., round hay bales) to trap sediment and ultimately contributeto the creation of “new” soil. When properly deployed, our processsupports the formation of a natural buffer against erosive waves whileprotecting existing shoreline from incoming wave energy in the interim.In this regard, our process compares favorably with rock, concrete, ormetal structures which are traditionally used for erosion control;however, as stated, our process actually contributes to re-forming theoriginal, natural barriers which have been depleted.

The compressed vegetative matter (i.e., round hay bales) which arecentral to our process have an inherent absorption capacity which helpsdry out and stabilize partially-eroded soil. In a particular embodiment,these round hay bales form a biodegradable wave/erosion barrier which isat least forty-eight inches (48″) in height. This barrier not only trapssediment, as the round hay bales break down, their essence ultimatelycontributes to the creation of “new” soil.

Further, and in a particular (non-preferred) embodiment, the compressedvegetative matter is a cost-effective, non-toxic alternative totraditional costal restoration and preservation techniques. Ourconstructed grouping of cylindrical units of bound and compressedvegetative matter forms a natural nesting habitat and shelter for birdsand other aquatic life along waterways. These constructions protectexisting vegetation while creating a fertile environment for growing newvegetation. In this regard, and in a particular (non-preferred)embodiment, the individual cylindrical units (i.e., round hay bales) areinjected with native seeds and seedlings. Thus, as these units breakdown, the seeds become imbedded into newly-created/restored soil,thereby spurring growth and speeding overall coastal restoration.

Finally, in addition to the coastal restoration and preservationbenefits of our processes, a particular (non-preferred) embodiment of amaterially-identical construction may be deployed to protect marsh areasfrom an influx of contaminants, including but not limited topetroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways inan oil spill. In this embodiment, the individual cylindrical units(i.e., round hay bales) are deployed into areas threatened by incomingcontaminants. The compressed vegetative matter acts as a natural,physical barrier to these substances traveling inward from thecoastline. In this deployment, the vegetative matter captures and holdsthese incoming contaminants, and those contaminants can thereby beremoved from the environment by simply retrieving the deployedindividual cylindrical units. This cleanup process involves no chemicaldispersants, and the coastline benefits from our processes' inherenterosion protection and restoration while our construction is deployed.

DESCRIPTION Alternative Embodiment

Additional embodiments of the described constructions and processes arepossible. In particular, the twenty-four (24) part constructiondescribed can be modified to be smaller or larger, depending onparticularized need. The construction may be deployed with a singlecylindrical unit of compressed vegetative matter. The construction mayalso be deployed by joining any other number of units, whether in evenmultiples or odd multiples. The construction may be deployed with moreunits than the twenty-four (24) part construction identified in theFirst Embodiment. The construction may be specifically configured tocreate additional height by stacking the units on top of one another inany of a virtually limitless number of alternative configurations. Inshort, the outer limit for the construction's size is only dictated bythe availability of the necessary equipment to set up and “build” theparticular construction. Although the twenty-four (24) part constructionhas been specifically described, this is not a preferred embodiment, andour processes are customizable to fit specific circumstances/needs.

The described constructions may be deployed by utilizing individualcylindrical units (i.e., round hay bales) of varying sizes, weights,and/or densities. Although the First Embodiment specifies such unitswith dimensions in the approximate range of sixty inches (60″) indiameter and forty-eight inches (48″) in height, any suitably compressedand bound vegetative matter (as described supra) may be utilized as thecomponent units for the described construction—regardless of thatparticular unit's outer shape or dimensions.

OPERATION Alternative Embodiment

Regardless of the precise physical dimensions, any suitably compressedand bound vegetative matter (as described supra) may be deployed for thepurposes stated and in the same general manner. Such alternativeconfigurations and/or dimensions will continue to afford superiorerosion protection and restoration with the same benefits. Thesealternative configurations and/or dimensions will also continue toafford protection from the dissemination of contaminants, including butnot limited to petroleum-based pollutants as are released/dischargedinto waterways in an oil spill.

The First Embodiment and/or the described Alternative Embodiment haveapplication in myriad riparian/shoreline areas. The construction (in anyof its described, non-preferred embodiments) may be deployed innon-coastal areas such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, drainagecanals, ditches, marinas, valleys, hills, overpasses, road constructionareas, building construction sites, and/or other areas or places inwhich soil erosion is caused or enhanced by flowing water. Theconstruction may also be deployed in industrial settings for the captureof petroleum-based pollutants flowing from a land-based origin towards abody of water or other natural drain.

ADVANTAGES

From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodimentsof our processes become evident:

1. Compressed vegetative matter is an all-natural alternative toartificial barriers and/or reefs which are built to slow coastalerosion;

2. Compressed vegetative matter is completely non-toxic;

3. When deployed along coastlines, compressed vegetative matter providesa natural source of shelter for indigenous birds and aquatic life;

4. Deployment of individual cylindrical units of compressed vegetativematter (i.e., round hay bales) in the manner described is acost-effective alternative for coastal restoration/preservation;

5. Compressed vegetative matter has natural absorption qualities whichare well-suited to capturing the dissemination of contaminants,including but not limited to petroleum-based pollutants as arereleased/discharged into waterways in an oil spill;

6. Deployment of individual cylindrical units of compressed vegetativematter (i.e., round hay bales) in the manner described can afford aninvaluable “first line” of defense against encroaching contaminants;

7. Individual cylindrical units of compressed vegetative matter (i.e.,round hay bales) can be deployed either independently or in conjunctionwith other cleanup and/or restoration techniques;

8. When deployed, the described processes and constructions protectexisting vegetation while creating a fertile environment for growing newvegetation;

9. Individual cylindrical units (i.e., round hay bales) may be injectedwith native seeds and seedlings, thereby causing the seeds to becomeimbedded into newly-created/restored soil and generally spurring growthand speeding overall coastal restoration;

10. When deployed, the described processes and constructions filters andtraps captured sediment;

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Hay Bale Restoration in any of the enumerated embodiments can beutilized to provide superior coastal protection and restoration at asignificantly lower cost and with lessened environmental impact thanother available techniques. When deployed, individual cylindrical unitsof compressed vegetative matter (i.e., round hay bales) can be used toboth protect and reclaim coastal wetlands, and they can alsosimultaneously or separately be used to capture and arrest thedissemination of contaminants, including but not limited topetroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways inan oil spill.

Although the description and embodiments set forth above contain manyspecifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of theembodiments but as merely providing illustration of some of thepresently preferred embodiments. For example, the general process ofutilizing bound, spiral units of compressed vegetative matter (round haybales) to impede and reverse erosion and prevent disbursement ofpollutants may be accomplished by using multiple configurations of suchunits. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

I claim:
 1. A method for using compressed vegetative matter to impedecoastal erosion.
 2. A method for using compressed vegetative matter todissipate wave energy.
 3. A method for using compressed vegetativematter to impede dissemination of petroleum-based contaminants throughwaterways.
 4. A method for using compressed vegetative matter to capturepetroleum-based contaminants disseminated into waterways.